Zayed University
Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Founded 1998 • World Rank #1291
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1998, the Zayed University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Dubai (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Abu Dhabi. Officially licensed by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed University (ZU) is a medium-sized coeducational Emirati higher education institution.
Zayed University (ZU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 26-year-old Emirati higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
ZU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Zayed University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Zayed University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Zayed University's qualifications.
Degrees
The qualifications available at Zayed University are grouped to make level comparison easy. Joint and dual degrees combine multiple awards and often span institutions or faculties.
Bachelor's 8 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Commerce
- Communication Arts
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Studies
- Media Studies
Master's 3 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business and Commerce
- Education
- Public Health
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates.
Arts and Science (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Behavioural Sciences
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Studies (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business and Commerce
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication and Media Sciences (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Advertising and Publicity
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Disorders
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Social Sciences
- Speech Studies
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Information Technology (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- IT Consultant
- Network Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Zayed University's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.
37 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Arab Emirates
Bachelor's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Master's Degree 15 programmes
Showing 10 of 15.
How to apply to Zayed University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Zayed University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Zayed University's 37 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Zayed University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
Zayed University processes applications through www.zu.ac.ae. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +971 (4) 402 1111. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zayed University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Zayed University as a study destination.
How old is Zayed University?
The institution opened in 1998 (approximately 28 years ago).
In which city is Zayed University?
Zayed University is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Is Zayed University public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Zayed University?
Zayed University has approximately 8,000-8,999 students.
Where does Zayed University stand in university rankings?
Zayed University is ranked #1291 globally and #6 in United Arab Emirates.
What degrees does Zayed University offer?
Zayed University delivers bachelor's and master's programmes across its academic units.
What is Zayed University's religious tradition?
Zayed University is associated with Islam.
Who recognises Zayed University?
The institution holds recognition from Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education.
What is Zayed University's official website?
Zayed University's official website is www.zu.ac.ae.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Arab Emirates
International student mix at the United Arab Emirates's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.
Other Emirati, Emirian, Emiri Universities Affiliated with Islam
Religious-tradition student associations are typically active at Islam institutions. Joining one at the peers below often connects you to alumni networks within the tradition.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Zayed University. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Arts, Design & Architecture
Industry advisory boards on Arts, Design & Architecture programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each the United Arab Emirates alternative to Zayed University publishes its industry partners.
Universities Compared with Zayed University
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Zayed University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
Studying in United Arab Emirates: guides and resources
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